# Northern Goshawk (*Accipiter gentilis*) The Northern Goshawk is a fast and agile bird of prey! It has sharp talons and is known for its ability to fly quickly through trees. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Forests and woodlands - **Also known as:** Goshawk ![Northern Goshawk](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426302/objects/4609.jpg) ## Appearance The Northern Goshawk has a slate-grey back and striking white barring across its chest, often appearing fierce with intense red-orange eyes. Its dark cap contrasts with a pale eyebrow stripe. Its short, broad wings and long tail enable agile navigation through dense forests. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Accipitriformes - **Family:** Accipitridae - **Genus:** Accipiter ## Interesting facts - Goshawks build huge nests, sometimes using the same one for many years, adding to it each time! - In some cultures, goshawks were used in falconry, prized for their skill and courage. - Their fierce red eyes make them look very serious, a perfect look for a top forest hunter. - Young goshawks have bright yellow eyes that slowly change to fiery red as they grow older! ## Special abilities - **Forest Flight Master:** Northern Goshawk has short, broad wings and a long tail that helps them maneuver at high speed through dense forest branches. - **Stealthy Predator:** Northern Goshawk can ambush prey with incredible speed and surprise, using its cryptic grey plumage to blend into tree shadows. - **Crushing Grip:** Northern Goshawk has incredibly powerful talons that help them capture and hold onto fast-moving prey, even larger animals. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 49-67 cm - **Wingspan:** 93-127 cm - **Weight:** 0.5-1.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 11-15 years - **Speed:** 65 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-4 - **Incubation:** 28-38 days ## Diet & Feeding A fierce forest hunter, Northern Goshawks eat a variety of birds and small to medium-sized mammals. - **Primary Foods:** Squirrels, Jays, Grouse, Rabbits, Woodpeckers, Snowshoe Hare - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Eastern Grey Squirrel (*Sciurus carolinensis*) — Main prey, caught with agile forest flight. - **Hunts:** [Ruffed Grouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ruffed-grouse) (*Bonasa umbellus*) — A common bird prey, hunted stealthily. - **Eaten by:** [Great Horned Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-horned-owl) (*Bubo virginianus*) — May prey on eggs, nestlings, or even adults. - **Hunts:** [Snowshoe Hare](https://www.snappit.app/explore/snowshoe-hare) (*Lepus americanus*) — Important food source in snowy, northern habitats. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Northern Goshawk? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Northern Goshawk? 49-67 cm ### What is Northern Goshawk's wingspan? 93-127 cm ### How much does Northern Goshawk weigh? 0.5-1.5 kg ### How long does Northern Goshawk live? 11-15 years ### How fast can Northern Goshawk move? 65 km/h ### What does Northern Goshawk eat? A fierce forest hunter, Northern Goshawks eat a variety of birds and small to medium-sized mammals. ### Where is Northern Goshawk usually found? Forests and woodlands ## Where to spot - [Altonaer Volkspark (Hamburg)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/altonaer-volkspark-hamburg) — Hamburg, DE · Park - [Landschaftspark Herzberge](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/landschaftspark-herzberge-berlin) — Berlin, DE · Park - [Deoksan Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/deoksan-provincial-park) — KR · Park [View all places to see Northern Goshawk](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/northern-goshawk) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Northern Goshawk: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-goshawk)